Water Alliance and the Embassy of the Netherlands in Chile are preparing a fact-finding mission to Chile from 24 to 30 October 2026. The mission will take place around the Water Congress, Chile’s annual conference on water and mining, with the Netherlands as this year’s host country.
Chile is one of the world’s leading producers of copper and lithium. At the same time, water scarcity poses a major challenge for the mining sector. More efficient water use, water treatment and reuse, alternative water sources, monitoring and sound water management are therefore becoming increasingly important. Dutch knowledge and technology can contribute to a more sustainable mining sector as well as improved water availability for nature and local communities.
In preparation for the mission, a market scan will identify the key players, developments, regulations and concrete market opportunities. Together with interested Dutch companies, we aim to determine where the most promising opportunities lie and work towards a multi-year programme with a consortium of companies through Partners for International Business (PIB).
Programme
The programme is currently being developed and is expected to include:
- meetings with relevant mining companies, government bodies and industry associations
- site visits to mining and processing sites and/or desalination plants
- participation in the Water Congress in Santiago de Chile, including a focus on Dutch knowledge and solutions and an NL Lounge
- discussions about specific water challenges, potential applications and possible projects
- a joint exploration of the opportunities that could provide the basis for a multi-year programme in Chile
The final programme will depend on the availability and confirmation of the Chilean organisations and sites involved.
Why participate?
By participating, you will:
- gain first-hand insight into the water challenges, investment priorities and decision-making processes within the Chilean mining sector
- gain insight into the mining companies and projects where your technology or expertise could provide concrete value
- connect directly with relevant mining companies, suppliers, industry associations, knowledge partners and other key players
- explore opportunities for pilots, projects, partnerships and commercial collaboration
- contribute to a joint approach to the Chilean market and use the contacts, knowledge and insights gained to build a strong foundation for participating in a potential multi-year programme
Who is it for?
The mission is intended for Dutch companies and knowledge institutions offering water-related solutions for the mining sector and with a serious interest in the Chilean market. Relevant areas include:
- water efficiency, water reuse and circular water use
- water and wastewater treatment
- desalination and alternative water sources
- water transport, storage and infrastructure
- monitoring, digitalisation and asset management
- protection of nature, the environment and local communities
We aim to bring together a complementary group of participants offering a range of solutions and expertise.
Practical information
- Dates: 24–30 October 2026
- Location: Chile; Santiago and other locations to be confirmed
- Participation costs: There is no participation fee, and admission to the Water Congress is included. Participants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation costs
- Registration: By 1 September 2026 at the latest, but preferably as soon as possible to support the further development of the programme
Interested?
Would you like to participate or first discuss whether the mission is a good fit for your company? Please contact Yvonne van den Berg at y.vandenberg@wateralliance.nl, or Frans Janssen at frans.janssen@minbuza.nl or Felix Quartero at felix.quartero@minbuza.nl from the Embassy of the Netherlands in Chile.
Organiser of this event
- Yvonne van den Berg
- +31 (0)6 20 40 66 92
- International Business Development
- y.vandenberg@wateralliance.nl
